The newly expanded and renovated pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Holtz Childrens Hospital called the Carnival Cares for Kids Center provides a family-centered environment and improves the pace at which care is delivered.
Zoila Sanchez, pictured here with her son, Stefano, is very grateful for the accommodations she received while her son was being treated at Holtz Children Hospitals recently renovated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The new, larger unit features state-of-the-art, life-saving technology in all of its 30 private rooms. A Pediatric Medical Unit on the same floor will be named the “Miami HEAT Home Court for Kids.” A joint donation of $2.5 million by Carnival Cruise Lines and the Miami HEAT made these renovations possible.
The redesigned facility helps parents play a more active role in their childs treatment and recovery. The oversized rooms allow families to comfortably stay overnight with their ill child and also give patients and families more privacy. In addition, the unit will have two operating rooms and a cardiac catheterization lab specifically designed for pediatric patients.
“We are extremely excited to not only be able to provide the best medical care for these children, but to also provide them and their families with private, comfortable rooms and other support resources during such a difficult and stressful time,” said Patricia Cantwell, M.D., medical director of the PICU. “We would like to thank Carnival Cruise Lines and the Miami HEAT for making this newly expanded center a reality.”
Families will also find some of the comforts of home, such as an area for parents to eat and shower; a computer lab where parents can access the Internet to research their childs condition, pay bills or keep in touch with family; video game access in each room; a play area for the patients siblings; and a quiet room for parents to talk or discuss treatment options with physicians.
“We not only want to be able to provide the best medical care for our patients, but also try to accommodate all the needs of their families and loved ones who are caring for them,” said Carrie Feinroth, R.N., M.S.N., nurse manager of the PICU.
The new PICU has already received high marks from families, including that of four-month-old Stefano Sanchez. His mother, Zoila Sanchez, is very grateful and was amazed by the technology in the unit and its supportive atmosphere.
“The unit is beyond my expectations,” said Sanchez. “It was shocking for us to have a private room, a couch and a TV
a place where we can have our privacy.”
